Former Pittsburgh Pirates great and Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Stargell adorns the U.S. Postal Service’s new All-Star Forever Stamp. Stargell lived in Wilmington after retiring in 1983.

Stargell, the former Pittsburgh Pirate who lived in Wilmington before his death in 2001, adorns a Forever Stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service. The USPS and Pirates designated Aug. 8 to kick off the “8 on 8” campaign that encourages fans to mail eight letters using Stargell’s stamp.

“Willie would be so humbled by this timeless recognition,” Stargell’s widow Margaret said in a statement. “Both he and my father Fritz Weller, who was a letter carrier for the Postal Service, would be thrilled to know that people will reach out to their family and friends with a letter of love in his honor on 8/8.”

Stargell, who played 21 seasons (1962-83) in Pittsburgh, wore No. 8 with the Pirates. He was inducted into the baseball hall on Aug. 8, 1988.

Stargell was one of four baseball greats immortalized on All-Star Forever Stamps along with Camden, S.C., native Larry Doby, the first black player in the American League when he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1948; New York Yankees great Joe DiMaggio, and Boston Red Sox Ted Williams, a two-time Triple Crown winner and the last player to bat .400 for a season (.406 in 1941).

The Major League Baseball All-Star Forever stamp collectables can also be purchased by calling 800-STAMP24 or by visiting select Post Offices.

“Willie’s amazing ability and appeal connected people with baseball in Pittsburgh and the nation throughout his Hall of Fame career,” said Pittsburgh Postmaster Joe Meimann. “Now his image can once again connect people together by sending his stamp on a letter to friends and loved ones.”

Stargell is perhaps best remembered as the Pirates’ emotional and physical leader during their 1979 World Series run. He twice led the National League in home runs (48 in 1971 and 44 in 1973), and finished his career with 475 round-trippers.

In ’79, he earned MVP honors in the National League, league championship series and World Series.

Stargell became a Pirates coach after retiring as a player and returned to the franchise in 1997 as assistant general manager, a position he held until his death.